| Timeline | Est. Cost (Year 1) | Best Jurisdictions | Licence Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–12 weeks | AED 25,000 – 500,000 | JAFZA, Dubai South, KIZAD, Hamriyah | Commercial / Professional |
The UAE handles over $800 billion in annual trade, making it one of the largest re-export hubs on the planet. If you are in the business of moving goods — whether as a freight forwarder, customs broker, shipping agent, or import-export trader — the UAE’s logistics infrastructure is built for you.
What Licence Do You Need?
Import-export and logistics businesses fall under several licence categories depending on the activity. A commercial licence covers import-export trading. A professional licence may cover freight brokerage, shipping consultancy, or logistics management services. Common activity codes include import and export, freight forwarding, shipping services, customs clearance, warehousing and distribution, and supply chain management.
Where to Set Up
Free zones dominate the logistics sector. JAFZA (adjacent to Jebel Ali Port), Dubai South (next to Al Maktoum International Airport), KIZAD (Abu Dhabi’s industrial port zone), and Hamriyah Free Zone offer direct port and airport access, bonded warehousing, and customs-friendly infrastructure. Many logistics companies operate a dual structure — a free zone entity for warehousing and a mainland entity for customs clearance and local distribution.
Key Requirements
You will need a customs code to import or export goods. In Dubai, this is obtained through the Dubai Trade portal after your licence is issued. Customs clearance companies need licensed customs brokers on staff who have passed the customs broker exam.
Warehouse space is typically required for physical logistics operations. Free zones offer a range of options from small storage units to large distribution centres.
The Setup Process
Licence processing takes one to two weeks. Customs code registration adds one week. Warehouse procurement varies from one week (ready units) to several months (custom build). Banking takes four to eight weeks.
Total: four to twelve weeks.
What It Costs
A free zone logistics licence with a small warehouse starts from approximately AED 30,000 to AED 60,000 for the first year. Larger warehouse operations in JAFZA or KIZAD can range from AED 100,000 to AED 500,000. Mainland logistics licences start from AED 25,000 to AED 40,000 excluding warehouse costs.
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